In collaboration with the Jeddah Traffic Police ALBAIK supports the launch of Mawagif - a unique entrepreneurial venture aims at resolving traffic congestion in public venues

From a campaign to a pilot project to an establishment for handling traffic congestion in parking areas, today witnesses the launch of Mawagif.  Mawagif is a newly launched entrepreneurial establishment by Safar Haqabani under the supervision and support of ALBAIK and the Jeddah Traffic Police.

Mawagif today features four young men working on the weekends handling traffic movement in the parking lot of the ALBAIK restaurant in Arabaeen Street in Jeddah.  The aim is to expand their services to handle other ALBAIK restaurants that require such an operation and other public venues. 

Commenting on the program Colonel Zeid Al Hamzi, Jeddah Traffic Police spokesperson, stated:  “We commend the efforts of these young men, and their ambition in launching such a program.  Working extensively with the team during the program inception has helped shape its overall process and messaging.  Awareness and follow up is key that’s why from a campaign into a business will be an asset in changing the perception and attitude towards congestion matters.” 

Working with ALBAIK and the team in the development of the process and implementation logistics, the Jeddah Traffic Police is a vital component of the Please Park It Right campaign and partner.  A public administrative services sector responsible for traffic guidelines; the Jeddah Traffic Police oversees, follows up and implements all the regulations and protocols concerning traffic safety and security. 

As part the company’s commitment to the community and in an effort to lessen the challenges of traffic congestion in the parking areas, ALBAIK and the Jeddah Traffic Police worked on an awareness campaign within a three-stage program.  The campaign main goal aims to build on the need for recognizing pedestrian, motorists and the general public’s comforts and respecting parking conduct; stage one of the campaign was directed at increasing awareness of the importance of respecting the parking slots designated for the disabled.  Stage two of the campaign was to launch a pilot program on site at one of the ALBAIK restaurants with a dedicated team to handle the movement and supervision.  The second stage was under development for a period of two months to insure the team was ready to handle the workload and the public was responding to the process initiated. 

Dressed in safety uniforms with wheel chairs equipped with security flashing lights the team is on site every weekend from 8pm until midnight.  The parking area features the ‘Please Park it Right’ campaign message and response from the public has been overwhelming with acceptance from the public. 

“When I first met with the ALBAIK team and began working on the program I never dreamed it would turn from a campaign into a business establishment,” stated Safar Haqabani.  “Today there are four of us handling our first client ALBAIK with the aim of taking on 2 more restaurants within the coming two months.  The response and interest of other business entities is overwhelming; however, we will be following a systematic growth approach to insure work sustainability and delivery.  At the moment we have almost 30 people on the waiting list to join the team and we hope to open doors for employment and community support in the coming period.” 

Please Park it Right is a community initiative that aims foster a sense of responsibility in respecting proper parking habits especially for the disabled parking.  The initiative is a collaborative effort between ALBAIK the Jeddah Traffic Police, Red Sea Mall and Prince Salman Center for Disability Research – the Universal Accessibility Program.

“During the campaign launch last July I said the heroes are these young gentlemen who didn’t succumb to any negativity about their disability instead are world champs in sports,” stated Eng. Rami Abu-Ghazaleh.  

“Today we witness them taking their championship and leadership attitude even further by taking on a cause converting it into a campaign and in turn into a business venture; opening doors for employment, helping resolve a public issue concerning traffic congestion and setting a high benchmark on delivery,” he continued. 

“I applaud their efforts, they are the true role models I thank each and every person and organization that supported the success of the program.  I want to especially thank our partners the Jeddah Traffic Police, the Prince Salman Center for Disability Research, Red Sea Mall and of course the stars themselves the Mawagif team … Safar Al Haqabani, Mohamed Attiah, Mohamed AlShehry and Amin Abdo.

This is the story of ‘Please Park it Right’ and the launch of an innovative business venture Mawagif – and the role the private and public sector play in partnership in developing opportunities for the community.